Michigan generates nearly $2 billion from online casino games, sports betting

Michigan's commercial and tribal online gambling operators brought in $1.98 billion in revenue in 2022, up 41% from the previous year.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board reported the figures Monday, explaining that internet casino gaming generated $1.58 billion in gross receipts, and internet sports betting produced $399.58 million.

After deducting the cost of free play incentives provided to and waged by bettors, the revenue for the year came to $1.65 billion, which was 47.8% higher than in 2021, the agency stated in a Monday press release. The total money wagered for 2022 was $4.6 billion compared with $3.7 billion recorded in 2021.

"Online casinos in Michigan finished the year incredibly strong, eclipsing $1.5 billion in revenue in 2022," Paul Costanzo, lead analyst for PlayMichigan, said in an email Monday. "The growth each month was steady throughout the year, but it managed to take off even more down the stretch with three straight record months, which bodes well for the future of the industry."

"While sports betting in Michigan isn’t seeing the same type of growth, it is still proving to be a big source of revenue for operators and tax revenue for the state," Costanzo continued. "December numbers were certainly buoyed in the state by the Detroit Lions making a push for the playoffs, and the Michigan football team playing for a Big Ten title and in the College Football Playoff."

The tribal and commercial operators made $302.98 million in taxes and payments to the state last year, according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board, including:

• Internet gaming state taxes and payments: $289.24 million
• Internet sports betting taxes and payments: $13.74 million

Tribal operators also reported making $32.83 million in payments to tribal governing bodies.

And the three Detroit commercial operators reported paying the city $84.57 million in wagering taxes and municipal services fees during the year including:

• Internet gaming taxes and fees: $77.83 million
• Internet sports betting taxes and fees: $6.74 million

During December, internet gaming revenue set a Michigan record of $152.8 million, exceeding by 5% the previous monthly record of $145.43 million reported in November, according to the state agency in the release.

The National Council on Problem Gambling operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at 1-800-522-4700. The network is a single national access point to local resources for those seeking help for a gambling problem. The network consists of 28 call centers that provide resources and referrals for all 50 states, Canada and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Help is available 24/7 and is 100% confidential.

The National Problem Gambling Helpline Network also includes text and chat services. The features enable those who are gambling online or on a mobile phone to access help the same way they play. One call, text or chat will get you to problem gambling help anywhere in the U.S.

Help is also available via an online peer support forum at gamtalk.org.